Harnessing the Joys and Mitigating the Risks of Doing Co-Research: Reflections on a Study With Survivors of Sexual Violence

Abstract

Background This article is by lived experience co-researchers and an academic research team. Co-research involves those with lived experience of a topic under investigation. It is an increasingly popular participatory, beneficial form of co-production that improves the integrity and quality of research, and bridges gaps between academics and participants. Co-researchers can conduct interviews, analyse data and disseminate findings which contributes to meaningful, rich data. However, co-research can engender risk. Co-researchers may lack full integration, leading to isolation and exacerbation of power differentials. Risks are heightened when researching sensitive topics, due to exposure to the narratives of participants and potential re-traumatisation. Our approach The aim of this article is to share our experiences of co-produced research on a multi-method study of specialist sexual violence services in England. Five co-researchers with lived experience of sexual violence (SV) interviewed victim-survivor participants, conducted data analysis, and were pivotal in dissemination. As part of a novel design, we employed a specialist, lived experience facilitator to support the co-researchers, which complemented that offered by the academic team. Our learning By evaluating our experience, we highlight the benefits and challenges of co-research. The discussion considers four areas of learning: safety and self-care; empowerment and amplification of voice; accountability and transparency; creativity and joyfulness. Future co-research studies can utilise learning to avoid potential pitfalls and create success. Conclusions By sharing unique evaluation experiences, this article might benefit academic research teams and lived experience co-researchers considering co-research, particularly on sensitive topics. Key to achieving improvements is the linchpin of a facilitator role.